Agawam High School golf standout Patrick Oleksak makes verbal commitment to Boston College

Agawam High School senior Patrick Oleksak has made a verbal commitment to play Division I golf at Boston College.

Oleksak is a two-time state tournament qualifier who competed this summer at the Optimist International and the Massachusetts Amateur and Junior (top 20 finish) championships.

“I pretty much thought I was going to UConn all along, but then BC came up,” Oleksak aid. “It’ll be a great opportunity to play in the ACC, against teams like Duke and North Carolina.”

The Republican file photoPatrick Oleksak of Agawam has made a verbal commitment to play golf at Boston College in 2013.

BC is coached by Bill Poutre, who coached Oleksak’s older brother A.J. at the University of Hartford. Oleksak was offered a partial scholarship.

“When I was younger, I’d follow A.J. at his tournaments and the coach would always talk to me,” Oleksak said.

Oleksak finished second last week at the U.S. Challenge Cup’s Gately Cup, played for Team Massachusetts in the New England Junior Team Championships and this weekend represents Team New England in a two-day match with Team USA as part of the Deutsche Bank Championships.

Oleksak will sign his National Letter of Intent during the official signing period in November.

HALL OF FAME: The Western Mass. Golf Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012 will be inducted Oct. 5 at Wyckoff CC in Holyoke.

Wyckoff pro Tony Kelley, former LPGA Tour player Michelle Dobek and longtime Springfield municipal golf course superintendent Dino Frigo are among the five members of the incoming class.

The late Jimmy Nichols (Westover GC) and Jimmy Young (Orchards GC) will be enshrined posthumously.

Tickets are $85 for a 12:30 p.m. shotgun and dinner, or $35 for dinner-only.

Contact E.J. Altobello at eja@pga.com or (413) 297-2008.

HOLE-IN-ONE CONTEST: It’s coming soon . . . The Republican’s 77th Hole-in-One Contest takes place Sept. 10 at Veterans GC in Springfield. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there is no charge to take three swings at the 150-yard seventh hole. Details to follow.